In 2014: Intuit reported 683,000 QuickBooks Online (QBO) Users and 1.45 million Desktop Users and Subscribers. (A)
By 2015: Intuit reported 1,075,000 QBO and Desktop to 1.2 million Desktop Users and Subscribers. (A)
It’s no surprise that Intuit is pushing the online version of their solution. It’s far easier for them to maintain, support and generate an amazing amount of revenue. So the focus at Intuit is to sell QuickBooks Online to new customers as much as possible. As connected services mature in the QBO ecosphere it will make sense for new company’s to consider QBO first before other QuickBooks solutions.
From the looks of QBOs’ growth, the Desktop days are numbered. Or are they?
As an authorized commercial hosting partner for Intuit we’re not seeing slowdown in hosting whatsoever. Actually, there is a higher adoption rate for our PRO, PREMIER and ENTERPRISE friends than ever before. Why? Because it is the easiest and safest way to move your infrastructure to the cloud when the time comes to make that decision.
2 practical reasons why hosting QuickBooks as a viable business solution isn’t going anywhere soon.
- From QuickBooks to SAP most of the world’s accounting systems are still physically installed on computers and have not been constructed like QuickBooks Online. There is still more hype around “cloud” based systems (the technical term is Software as a Service) and there is not an actual stampede to migrate to systems like QBO.
- Risk and Expense. It’s far easier and less risky to move your current system, procedures and operations to a fully managed hosting provider rather than converting to a whole new solution and potentially losing functionality or performance to support your operations. It’s the easiest first step in the adoption of an online strategy for your business.
Examples:
For CPAs and Bookkeepers. You may have years of client data for both accounting and taxes over many versions of QuickBooks and your preferred tax software. You need a place to archive and access those systems if required. Transitioning those systems to an authorized Intuit hosting partner could help with compliance, customer support and peace of mind. QBO currently won’t support any of this and would not be a go-to solution for most professionals.
Companies with Complex Operations. When a company has rooted their operations in 3rd party solutions like HighJump EDI, bMobile Route Manager, Acctivate, MISys Manufacturing or BillQuick. Hosting QuickBooks and these systems becomes a practical solution and relieves those businesses of certain infrastructure and IT management expenses.
No matter which solution fits your needs please assess the situation completely. The cost of making a mistake is not the difference in what QBO costs versus hosting QuickBooks. There could be a real risk in the transition or adopting the wrong solution. Consider how it affects your business before making any decision and take your time testing and preparing for the transition. A hosting partner who is certified to host QuickBooks may be willing to assist you with this type of test and help you determine what may be best for your business.
Reference Notes:
- Intuit Fact Sheet and Outlook: http://s1.q4cdn.com/018592547/files/doc_financials/2016/Q2/Fact_Sheet_and_Guidance_2_25_16-FINAL.pdf
Robert Epple is CEO of GoToMyERP. GoToMyERP is an Authorized Commercial Hosting Partner for Intuit and has one of the highest customer service ratings in fully managed hosting services and most generous Affiliate Programs for Pro Advisors. Contact Information (877) 888 5525 or sales@gotomyerp.com